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Take the quiz.
In the U.S., there are three interesting cultural events in May: Mother’s Day, Senior Prom, and Memorial Day. See how much you know about these traditions. (Answers are below.)

Mother’s Day

1. Mother’s Day takes place on the ____ Sunday of May.
a. first
b. second
c. third
d. fourth

2. Mother’s Day is celebrated by _____.
a. taking Mom out to dinner
b. sending Mom a card or flowers
c. calling Mom on the phone
d. any of the above

3. Mother’s Day was made a U.S. national holiday in _____.
a. 1870
b. 1915
c. 1933
d. 1956

4. On Mother’s Day, ____.
a. telephone lines are busy
b. banks are required to close
c. flower shops have lots of flowers to purchase
d. restaurant reservations are readily available

5. If one’s own mother is no longer living, one can _____.
a. wear a red carnation in her honor
b. wear a pink carnation in her honor
c. wear a white carnation in her honor
d. all of the above

Senior Prom

1. In the U.S., the senior prom is held in May or early June for ____.
a. anyone older than you
b. a person’s grandparents
c. students graduating from high school
d. anyone who promises something

2. The word “prom” comes from the word “promenade,” which means ____.
a. a famous summertime beverage
b. parading in fancy clothes in public view
c. a British baby buggy or stroller
d. being first, at the front

3. Most of those attending the prom usually wear ____.
a. tuxedos and elegant dresses
b. comfortable clothing
c. traditional clothing from the parents
d. traditional clothing from that geographic area

4. Prom activities reflect a lot of involvement with family and close friends when____.
a. sisters, mothers, or girlfriends help the young woman pick out her prom dress, make-up, and accessories
b. the couple attending the prom takes numerous photos in the presence of family members before leaving for the scheduled events
c. the family of one prom attendee hosts and cooks a special meal before the elegant dance party
d. all of the above

5. Prom activities can be expensive because of everything below except: ____.
a. renting limousines
b. cooking and serving a pre-prom dinner party at home
c. purchasing designer dresses from the mall
d. renting tuxedos

Memorial Day

1. Memorial Day is celebrated on ____ to honor U. S. Armed Forces members who died or were disabled serving their country.
a. May 30th
b. May 31st
c. the last Monday in May
d. the last full moon before the summer solstice

2. Memorial Day is marked by all of these things except ____.
a. patriotic parades and speeches by politicians
b. placing flags and flowers on the graves of military people
c. picnics and family get-togethers
d. volunteering in one’s community

3. Memorial Day is a holiday for everyone except ____.
a. school children
b. business people
c. factory workers
d. people with bad memories

4. Memorial Day was first observed in the U.S. after the ____ War.
a. American Revolutionary
b. American Civil
c. First World
d. Second World

5. Families sometimes travel over the Memorial Day holiday because ____.
a. it is a 3-day weekend
b. most local businesses are closed
c. banks offer special loan packages
d. it is required by some state tourist bureaus

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ANSWERSMother’s Day
1. b. second
2. d. any of the above
3. b. 1915
4. a. telephone lines are busy
5. c. wear a white carnation in her honor

Senior Prom
1. c. students graduating from high school
2. b. parading in fancy clothes in public view
3. a. tuxedos and elegant dresses
4. d. all of the above
5. b. cooking and serving a pre-prom dinner party at home

Memorial Day
1. c. the last Monday in May
2. d. volunteering in one’s community
3. d. people with bad memories
4. b. American Civil
5. a. it is a 3-day weekend

Note: Schools and government offices (including post offices) are closed for Memorial Day. Most banks are closed, but your bank may be different, so you should check their schedule. Malls and large supermarkets will be open, but many small businesses will be closed. Gas stations are open. Public transportation will run on holiday schedules. Some parks and recreation areas are open, but check schedules to confirm. Newspapers will be delivered in the morning, but there is no U.S. postal delivery except express mail.